WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined a resolution designating April 2024 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.” The resolution recognizes local news as a public good that serves an essential function in American democracy.

“Local news is the key to better informed communities, public interest journalism, and responsive governance – and the men and women who believe in reporting are feeling an unprecedented squeeze from economic and political pressures,” said Senator King. “As we see job losses and shrinking newsrooms, the resulting local news deserts are bad for citizen awareness, involvement and having their priorities reflected in decision-making. That’s why we owe local journalists a debt of gratitude this month and every month.”

Overall employment in newspaper, television, radio, and digital newsrooms in the United States fell by 26 percent, or 30,000 jobs, from 2008-2020. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, more than 360 local newsrooms have closed across the country. This resolution affirms the significance of local news in increasing civic engagement and strengthening democratic norms and practices, and recognizes the invaluable contributions of local journalists in maintaining healthy and vibrant communities.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), and Bob Casey (D-PA).

King is an ardent supporter of local journalism. During the pandemic, he joined a bipartisan letter urging the Office of Management and Budget to provide relief for local news outlets. He also joined joined Brian Stelter’s CNN Reliable Sources program to highlight the threats facing local media and the unique, vital services provided by these local outlets during the pandemic. Most recently, he cosponsored the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act which would direct federal regulators to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.  AM radio is especially important for rural communities, with the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) finding that two-thirds of farmers listen to AM stations for relevant updates they rely on for operations.

The full text of the resolution is available here.